Education & Safety

FWD vs 4WD vs AWD vs RWD - A Drivetrain Guide

Decisions, decisions

When shopping for a vehicle, one of the first decisions you’re confronted with is what type of drivetrain to get. From front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive, there’s a drivetrain to fit just about any driving style.

While you may be familiar with the different drivetrains and their acronyms – FWD, RWD, AWD, 4WD – do you know the differences between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive? What about the differences between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive? After reading our drivetrain guide, you’ll have the information you need to make an informed decision.

The basics

Your vehicle’s drivetrain works with the engine to deliver power to the wheels. The most common types of drivetrains are front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), four-wheel drive (4WD) and all-wheel drive (AWD).

Front-wheel drive

The majority of vehicles on the road today are powered by front-wheel drive systems. In this system, the front wheels provide the power. All of the drivetrain components are located in the front of the vehicle which increases traction in the front wheels. Vehicles with front-wheel drive are typically lighter, helping to improve gas mileage.

Advantages:

Fewer parts mean lower purchase price and repair bills.

Lighter weight helps vehicle achieve better gas mileage.

Better traction than rear-wheel drive.

With most of weight over front wheels, it’s balanced for traction.

Less aggressive handling is good for new and cautious drivers.

Disadvantages:

Not as effective in low-traction situations like gravel and ice

Nose heavy makes it harder to handle in high speeds or with heavy loads.

Can cause understeer where front wheels lose traction and car drifts outside of the turn.

Rear-wheel drive

Once the industry standard, a rear-wheel drive system relies on the rear wheels to deliver the power. Commonly found on trucks and performance vehicles, RWD gives needed traction with heavy loads and optimal handling on performance cars. One drawback of rear-wheel drive is reduced traction on slippery roads; this might not be ideal for snowy climates.

Advantages:

Superior handling.

Exceptional braking.

Quick initial acceleration.

Excellent for performance driving.

Disadvantages:

Not ideal for winter weather – poor traction in snow and ice.

Traction on wet roads not as good as FWD.

Four-wheel drive

A four-wheel drive system features two driveshafts and a transfer case to deliver power to all four wheels. Today’s 4WD systems are either full-time or part-time. In a full-time system, the vehicle automatically switches between two-wheel and four-wheel drive while a part-time system requires the driver to manually engage the four-wheel drive system. 4WD shines in heavy snow and off-road situations.

Advantages:

Excellent for towing trailers or big loads.

Ideal for serious off-roading, crawling over rocks and moving through mud.

Powers through deep snow.

Delivers the traction needed for climbing hills.

Disadvantages:

More expensive than FWD and RWD due to extra parts.

Lower gas mileage due to heavier drivetrain system.

Have to remember to engage it in a part-time system.

All-wheel drive

AWD delivers power to all four wheels. Most all-wheel drive systems are always on, using sensors to determine which wheel needs power. However, be aware that systems vary and some all-wheel drive setups stay in two-wheel drive most of the time and only go into all-wheel drive mode when the sensors detect the vehicle is losing traction.

Advantages:

Better acceleration.

Improved traction in snow and on wet roads.

Always on – don’t have to think about engaging the system.

Disadvantages:

More expensive with more parts than FWD and RWD.

Worse gas mileage due to vehicle being heavier.

Can cost more to repair than a FWD or RWD vehicle.

Which system is right for you?

Examining both the climate you drive in and your driving habits will help you determine which drivetrain should be on your next vehicle. For warm climates and those that get light snow, front-wheel drive is ideal. If performance and handling are important to you, rear-wheel drive can give you the results you are looking for.

If you live in a region that experiences moderate snowfall totals, you might want to consider all-wheel drive. AWD can give you the traction you need to power through that overnight snowfall. For those who live in regions that get a heavy amount of snow, enjoy off-roading or tow a trailer, four-wheel drive could be perfect for you. You’ll appreciate the improved traction that can help you crawl over rocks, push through deep snow and tow your trailer with ease.

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